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STAFF EDIT: Price Hikes Forget Fans

Money has taken over America’s pastime.

As John Henry and Tom Werner begin to settle into their new leading roles for the Boston Red Sox, business matters must be addressed. One matter in particular is setting the prices for the upcoming season’s tickets. The new owners have announced preliminary increases in price for higher-tier seating at Fenway Park, keeping Red Sox ticket prices the most expensive of all Major League Baseball teams.

This is an annual occurrence, this pocket-picking of the Sox faithful, and it is exemplary of a negative trend in modern sports. While the increase, a possible $2 to $5, is not terribly drastic, it represents the continuing of ticket price inflation. It may seem small now, but over time, small price jacks amount to one whopping hike.

The inflation will ultimately exclude those fans unable to fork over the extra few dollars. And if it continues over the years, major league baseball will become the next NBA, where only large corporations and Hollywood filmmakers can afford to attend a game. While these folks can afford to shell out a few more Washingtons, it isn’t fair to leave the rest of the fans outside the gates. After all, some of the biggest Sox fans live for the “cheap” bleacher seats.

This price hike is not a good sign from the team’s new owners, who have barely had enough time to purchase nameplates for their desks. Although they have also discussed renovating the Fenway, persisting in their refusal to move the ballpark to another location, the price increases should make fans nervous of the future they have in store for the team.

The Red Sox are vital to the Boston community, and fans will not give up on them over a few measly dollars. But consider this an omen — this inflation risks tainting the team, and the game, Bostonians have come to love.

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